Switch and fuse box



H. F. HITNER. SWITCH AND FUSE BOX.

APPLICATION FILED was. 1920.

Patented De0.12,19 22.

Patented Dec. 12, 1922.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFlCE.

HARRY F. HITNEB, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

SWITCH AND FUSE BOX.

Application filed December 9, 1920.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HARRY l. HrrNnn, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Pittsburgh, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have made a and useful Invention in Switch and Fuse Boxes, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to switch and fuse boxes, particularly those of the multiple type employing a plurality of fuse blocks with corresponding switch for each block. It has ror its principal objects the provision of a cheap, simple box construction, in which (1) the switches may be operated without opening the box, (2) the fuse blocks and switches are very accessible for wiring. and

inspection; the switches may be removed for inspection without disconnecting any wiring connections; and (4) the wiring for any or all of the parts may be brought in from any side of the box and attached to the desired part without inconvenience. The invention is further designed to provide a box having the above characteristics which may be made of sheet metal of light construction, presenting a good appearance with a narrow top to afford a minimum amount of dirt and water collecting surface. One embodiment of the invention is illus trated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure l. is perspective view of the improved boxfl ig. is a front view of the box with the lid open and partially broken away, and Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the box. The box itself comprises the back wall 1, the end, top and bottom walls 2, 3 and 4c, the front wall and the lid 6. The top wall 3 is of less width than the bottom wall 4: which provides for the inclination of the cover 6 and '76s a top wall of reduced area for the collection of dirt. The cover is hinged to the top wall by means of the hinges 7''?, so that the cover may be swung up and out of the way.

The back wall preferably carries series of four fuse blocks 8. while the rear side of the front wall 5 is provided with a corresponding number of push switches 9. The push members of these switches extend through the front wall, so that the switches may be operated without opening the cover. The top and bottom and end walls are each preferably provided with five openings or holes 10 for leading the wires into the box.

Serial No. 429,456.

One of the five holes takes the main inlet outlet wires, while each of the others res the wires from one of the switches. The openinp are provided on the four sides so that the w es may be brought in on the side which is most convenient. One or more or all of the sets wires may be brought in on any side of the box. The metal filling' the holes is preferably not all punched out and in installing; the box the discs need be pushed out of those holes only which are to he used. so that there are no unnecessary openings leading into the box for the passage of moisture or dirt.

The fuse blocks and switches are spaced away from the side and top and bottom walls as indicated in Fig. 2, so as to provide a runway 11 for wires extending clear around the switches and plugs. This provides for the convenient insertion of. the wires from any side of the box and makes it relatively easy to distribute the wires in the box and attach and detach them.

Each switch is connected with its fuse block and with the wiring leading to and from the box with suiiicient slack or play so that when the screws 12 holding a switch in position are removed, the switch can be removed from the box for inspection without detaching any of the wiring connections, which addsgreatly to the convenience of inspecting.

The box is preferably made of sheet metal and the number of units in the box lim t-ed to four circuits. It is not regarded as good practice to use more than this number of circuits without insulating lining and barriers. When it is desired to use a larger number of units, this is done by multiplying the number of boxes desired. From a standpoint ct cost it is also more desirable to make the boxes all of the same size. Y l hen the door 6 is opened, as indicated in Fin. 2, all of the fuse blocks are exposed and accessible for the replacement of fuses or for attention to the connections. Similarly with respect to the switches. each of which is readily accessible from above, although ordinarily the easiest method of attendi to the switches in connecting them up or inspecting them, is simply to remove the holding screws 12 and remove the switches from the box. The box affords a minimum amount of surface for the lodo ment of dirt or moisture, is of pleasing appearance, and of relatively cheap construction. Other advantages incident to the construction will be ieedily apparent to those skilled in the alt.

What I claim is:

1. In combination in 1-2, switch and fuse box, a casing comprising" a back Wall. end and bottom Wells, :1, front wall extending upward from the bottom Well a fraction only of the height of the back Wall, a top Wall of less Width than the bottom wall and a cover hinged to the. top wall and inclined at an angle to the perpendicular when in closed position, a series of fuse blocks mounted on the uppei portion of the back wall of the box opposite said coier, and at corresponding series 01? switches mounted on the front Wall and operable from the outside of the box.

2. In combination in a switch and fuse 202:, a casing comprising a back Well a bot tom Wall, a front wall extendin upwardly from the bottom wall only at fraction of the height of the back Wall and leaving an opening; at the upper portion of the box, side walls beveled back from the upper edge of the front Wall to the top of the box, a cover for said opening a series of fuse blocks mounted on the upper portion of the back wall of the box opposite said opening, and a series of switches mounted on the rear face of the front wall and operable from the outside of the box.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 6th day of Decembei" 1920.

HARRY F. HITNER. 

